Michael Claytor & His Friends will play at the “Free Fridays” Concert Series Friday, Sept. 21 at Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville.

Michael Claytor & His Friends play mostly original music ranging from Florida folk style compositions to western style cowboy ballads. Various iterations of the band have been performing around Gainesville since 2006, and they always feature Claytor's whimsical, story-centric songwriting. The band also highlights the harmony and sometimes lead vocal stylings of Sam Moss, whose list of Gainesville singing credits is expansive. Claytor’s latest project, The High Nooners, is a cowboy musical theater type of experience, and this year's “Free Fridays” show will incorporate several of those songs. The High Nooners was featured last year at the “Free Fridays” All American Song Fest Independence Day celebration. Claytor says, “Expect high energy Americana music, mixed in with sweet melodic ballads, all rich with harmony and story.”

Michael Claytor & His Friends have made two studio albums, “My Trespasses” and “We Have an Elephant,” both of which are available on their website at www.michaelclaytor.com.

“Free Fridays” is presented by the City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. It is funded in part by a Tourist Development Tax Grant from the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners in conjunction with the Alachua County Tourist Development Council and Culture Builds Florida. “Free Fridays” runs 8 – 10 p.m. each Friday night, from May 4 to Oct. 19 at Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. in downtown Gainesville. The entire “Free Fridays” 2018 schedule can be viewed at www.freefridaysgnv.com. For general information, contact Russell Etling, cultural affairs manager, at etlingrh@cityofgainesville.org or 352-393-8532. For more information about this event, please contact David Ballard at ballarddg@cityofgainesville.org or 352-393-8746.